Disc Pain

Disc pain can be rough. Every day, even simple tasks can hurt when a disc injury takes hold. When back or neck pain, weak legs, or numb feet appear, it might mean the soft disc between your spine’s bones has been damaged. Discs have a gel-like center. Sometimes the disc pushes its gel to one side, creating a bulge. Other times, a tear lets the gel escape, leading to a herniated disc. In the most severe cases, the gel moves far from the disc, a condition called disc extrusion. These problems can make everyday life difficult and cause worry about long-term health.

Living with these symptoms can change how you handle daily routines. Work, family time, and even sleep may suffer from the constant discomfort. Research shows that patients with sudden or ongoing pain have experienced real improvement when they received focused adjustments. Scientific studies reveal that many patients report better mobility and less pain after receiving care from a skilled chiropractor in Cranston, RI.

I have a patient named Joe who experienced this change firsthand. Joe works as a police officer and battled a disc injury that sent pain from his lower back into his left buttock and leg. The pain affected his sleep, his job performance, and his time with family. Joe tried stretching and exercise to ease the pain, but his discomfort only grew. Once he began receiving adjustments, his pain eased. Soon, he was able to take a drive to Boston with his wife and daughters for a pleasant day out, and he now drives his squad car with much less discomfort. Joe’s experience shows that proper care can help bring back the ease and activity you deserve.

Chiropractic care works by easing pressure on the nerves through gentle adjustments that realign the spine and reduce swelling around the injured disc. This care helps restore better movement and reduces pain, letting you enjoy your day without constant worry. If you notice signs like back or neck pain, weak legs, numbness, or changes in bladder or bowel control, it’s a good idea to have your condition evaluated. In Cranston, RI, a skilled chiropractor can offer the targeted help needed to ease pain and support a return to a more active life.

Scientific studies back these treatments, with many patients reporting improvement both shortly after starting care and over the long run. This evidence shows that a targeted approach can help you manage a disc injury and reclaim a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

References:
Erwin WM, Hood KE. The cellular and molecular biology of the intervertebral disc: A clinician's primer. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2014 Sep;58(3):246-57. PMID: 25202152; PMCID: PMC4139773. Link

Leemann, Serafin et al. Outcomes of Acute and Chronic Patients With Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Confirmed Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniations Receiving High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Spinal Manipulative Therapy: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study With One-Year Follow-Up. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 37, Issue 3, 155 - 163. Link

Beneliyahu DJ. Chiropractic management and manipulative therapy for MRI documented cervical disk herniation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994 Mar-Apr;17(3):177-85. PMID: 8006533. Link